TRACK PREMIERE: Brimstone Coven, "The Inferno"

Initially featured on the site 7 years ago with the release of their debut self-titled album, Brimstone Coven have had quite the journey.  Signing on with Metal Blade Records in 2014 to release their first two releases as a repackaged full length and following that up in 2015 with their next and final release for Metal Blade Records “Black Magic”, these West Virginia occult rockers  have had set backs, however in 2018 with the independent release of ‘What Was and What Shall Be', Brimstone Coven showed they has lost none of their power

2019 would see the band writing a new batch of songs and enter the studio in early 2020. The result would prove to be Brimstone Coven’s darkest sounding album to date, entitled 'The Woes of a Mortal Earth'. The new year also saw the trio signing a new deal with the venerable label Ripple Music. Despite the foreboding atmosphere of their new album, the future of Brimstone Coven has never looked so bright and today we’re excited to debut a brand new track from album below. 

Check out “The Inferno” below and pre-orders are being taken HERE

Band info: Facebook || Bandcamp || Instagram

Brimstone Coven - S/T (Album Review)

Album Type: Full Length

Date Released: 5/8/2014

Label: Metal Blade Records

‘Brimstone Coven’ CD/DD/LP track listing: 

01. Cosmic Communion 04:41
02. Behold, the Anunnaki 05:47
03. The Black Door 03:52
04. Blood on the Wall 04:33
05. The Grave 04:36
06. Lord & Master 06:14
07. Vying 04:49
08. The Séance 03:52
09. Hades Hymn 01:30
10. The Folly of Faust 07:06
11. Intro (Bonus Track) 00:51
12. We Are Forever (Bonus Track) 03:23
13. The Ancients (Bonus Track) 03:15
14. Son of the Morning (Bonus Track) 05:37
15. LoSt in the oDyssey (Bonus Track) 03:56
16. Children of the Sun (Bonus Track) 05:13
17. Outro (Bonus Track) 00:38

Bio:

Brimstone Coven is a retro-hard rock / doom band that hails of out Wheeling, WV. They began brewing their own blend of "dark occult rock" in the early months of 2011. Corey Roth (Guitarist) wrote the first five songs, which would later become the band's self titled album. Roth went on to handpick three seasoned musicians from the local scene. Andrew D'Cagna (Bass), Justin Wood (Drums), and "Big John" Williams (Vocals) were recruited to carry out Roth's plan for sonic domination.

Echoing the eerie reverberations of hard rock heavyweights such as Black Sabbath and Pentagram, mixed with the classic rock style of Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd, Brimstone Coven strive to preserve a vintage rock sound mixed with a style all their own. After many shows, one album, the band added new drummer Dan Hercules, released their second album, simply titled "II", which was released in November of 2013, and signed with Metal Blade Records!

Since signing with Metal Blade, original drummer Justin Wood has returned to the fold and has rounded out the seminal chemistry the band had been looking for. Metal Blade Records will begin their new partnership with Brimstone Coven by releasing the band's latest album combined with their debut EP, complete with new mastering and brand new artwork. Artwork was completed by Creighton, the same mind behind the band's first two releases. The newly packaged and mastered set 17 tracks will serve as a solid introduction to Brimstone Coven for new fans. On August 5, the album will be available digitally and physically in North America.

The Band:

John Williams | Vocals
Corey Roth | Guitar
Andrew D'Cagna | Bass
Justin Wood | Drums

Review:

Dark, occult rockers Brimstone Coven are a band with their head firmly in the past. Yet today, their retro tones have arguably never been more relevant. Everywhere you look there are bands desperately trying to transport us back to the 60s and 70s, from Graveyard and Witchcraft to Mount Salem, Uncle Acid and Blues Pills. This, I might add, is no mere fleeting trend. Modern bands have been chasing the archaic for years now, so when another comes along, your average listener may let out a sigh lamenting such a motif.

Sludgelord’s own Aaron Pickford, when reviewing the band’s self-titled E.P in November last year was quick to point this out. “Many emulate the heroes of yore and yet, others who will remain nameless try too damn hard and thus in turn, merely come across as copyist and therefore undermine the integrity of their music,” he mused. “So, when faced with the prospect of reviewing Brimstone Coven, it was with a great deal of anxiety and trepidation...but this is not simply a pastiche, what we have is 5 original and skilfully constructed songs."

Brimstone Coven then, have already poked their eager heads above the majority of the backwards glancing pack. But can they build on such success with their first full-length offering? Well, the band’s signature brew is certainly one that captures the imagination and gets the ears pricked.

Their emphasis on the occult gives them a moody edge, although the instrumentation, you could argue, is a step away from what you may expect. This is a band that resembles Free and Bad Company more so than they do Black Sabbath or Cathedral.

As opener ‘Cosmic Communion’’s pounding heart bass drum lures you in, it becomes abundantly clear that this is straight up classic rock. There is little flamboyancy, rather remaining focussed on writing simple, addictive songs. Vocally, “Big John” Williams often sounds like a chanting monk, muttering some hellish ritual, much like the charismatic Papa Emeritus II of Ghost B.C. Some of his charm, his brooding dark intentions and his equally as uplifting tenor are just as prevalent in Williams’ voice. They are, quite intriguingly, as ominously dark and resonantly evil as they are fun, groovy and free-spirited.

One major highlight on the album is ‘The Back Door’. The chanting monk vocals are here extremely prominent and they raise hairs on the back of your neck. It gives the song, which is, underneath everything, when stripped to its bare essentials, a fantastic 70s inspired rock song, a creepy, demented vibe.  

‘The Séance’ sees their Sabbath influence breaking through to the forefront. A really well written song, the guitars are smartly pieced together, with Justin Wood’s jittering drums the perfect backdrop. 

It’s a very spacious album. The songs are given plenty of room to breathe, with the drums alone often carrying the song forwards. They experiment freely with dynamics, with such changes and jam orientated moments really drawing you into the thrall of it all. You get lost in the moment, in the chemistry between members. Less is most definitely more.

‘Lord & Master’ is a ticking time bomb of a track. Slow, soft and seductive, there is always an underlying fever itching to break out. When it does eventually explode into life, it does so brilliantly.

All in all, ‘Brimstone Coven’ is a solid album of strong tracks and smart song writing. But I feel the best is yet to come from them. The band have their sound, their niche if you will, and now they need to, in due time, develop and adapt it into something truly special. They need to master their craft. What they have here is an enjoyable embryo, but I can see this band growing into something bigger, better and even more superb than they already are. It’s a bright future for a dark band.

Words: Phil Weller

You can pick up a copy here

For more information:

http://www.brimstonecoven.com/

https://www.facebook.com/brimstonecoven

https://brimstonecoven.bandcamp.com/album/ii

20 Questions w/ Brimstone Coven

Following my review of their debut record, Brimstone Coven are sitting on the brink of a date with one of most influential bands in doom metal, not only that, a much sort after vinyl release on revered boutique label, STB Records.  With that in mind, I thought it was about time we got the lowdown on how this coven started.  So without further ado, here is my interview with Corey Roth and chief axe slinger for Brimstone Coven.  Enjoy. 

SL) Corey, welcome to the Sludgelord, I’m pleased to welcome you to our humble abode.

BC) Thank you for having us! We are very grateful for the opportunity

SL) How are things at the Coven? What are your immediate plans for the rest of 2013? 

BC) Things are great! Lots of really cool things happening.

Immediate plans would include more live shows for sure. We are quite excited to be playing with the legendary PENTAGRAM on the 22^nd of November. That’s a huge honor for us. Now that the second album, “II” has been released, it’s time to start writing and putting new tunes together, as well. No rest for the wicked, as they say.

SL) Before we get onto the good stuff, (imminent vinyl release, 23/11/2013), Can you perhaps give us an idea of the roots behind the band? Who are you, that kind of thing? It is your opportunity to tell the world about yourselves. 

BC) We’re just four laid back dudes with a strong passion for the music we make. We all live in the heart of the tri-state area (Ohio, West Virginia & Pennsylvania) known as the Ohio valley. It’s kind of secluded and low key. There isn’t a whole lot going on, but you can find a good time if you’re looking hard enough. Believe it or not, we’ve had quite a healthy local music scene in our area for as long as I remember and it’s as strong right now, as it has ever been. We’ve been playing music together in miscellaneous, yet substantial bands for years now. We’ve learned a lot in that time and used that knowledge and experience to get serious about Brimstone Coven. We don’t see this band as just another project, this is our opus and we want the whole world to know!

SL). Call it nepotism, cronyism or the fact I am a major kiss ass, but Steve is a great guy and his attitude to the way he releases records is borne out of his love for music first and foremost, which then translates to a superior overall package. Doubtless to say, that the Coven will be another 5 star treatment. When did you guys first hook up with STB Records and how did it come about? 

BC) Shortly after we released our self titled album on bandcamp.com, Steve contacted us and said that he was digging the tunes and wanted to work with us. With the sound we have, vinyl was always something that we planned to do. Once we saw the caliber of his work, we didn’t have to think about it.

SL) With the release perhaps only days / week away, what can you tell us about the release and what are your overall thoughts about having what is your debut released on vinyl, with a label with a proven track record, no pun intended?

BC) The vinyl will feature the seven original tracks, as well as a live version of “Blood on the wall”, which is track 4 on the new CD release, “II”. The vinyl will be available in three, possibly four different versions, which include die hard and sorcerer editions. The artwork, done by W. Ralph Walters, is super cool and fits the overall theme of the band perfectly. You just can’t get any cooler than vinyl and we’re excited to be a part of it! All the extra special love and cool little touches that Steve puts into his records, sends them over the top! Anyone interested, should definitely check out STB records!

SL).  Cyan and Gold /Silver vinyl, Sorcerer and Die Hard edition, its fan boy stuff right?  You must be stoked

BC) we are beyond stoked, to say the least.

SL). Taking the release as a whole, how much involvement did you have in terms of overall package? Do you feel added pressure considering previous STB releases have sold out, ha-ha (It’s inevitable it will, of course)

BC) Well, we did the recording ourselves. Our bass player (Andrew), owns Sacred Sound recording studio in Martins Ferry Ohio, so that was taken care of. We had some ideas about the artwork early on, but once we saw what Ralph came up with, we were sold. As far as layout and extras, those were all of Steve’s ideas. Very cool stuff. He knows what’s up. We plan to sell out of these pretty quickly.

SL) As music fans yourselves and given that music seems to be so disposal at times, it is important to offer a great package to your fans, and yet not alienate them by producing something which is not affordable. Did you approach the vinyl release with trepidation or were you confident that STB Records would produce a product you could be proud of? Have you seen the finished product and what are your thoughts, not it is finally done? 

BC) It’s of the utmost importance to offer a stellar product to our fans. From the music to the art, to the overall package! Steve goes to great lengths to make his records unique and really stand out above the rest. Once we checked out the STB site, we jumped in with both feet! We don’t actually have the records in our hands just yet, but we’ve seen other STB releases and pics of what our finished products will look like and we can’t wait!     

 

SL) Taking the vinyl release out of the equation for a moment, what are your thoughts about your debut record  now, given that they were your first original songs and written for the most part by Corey.  Are they representative of the direction your music is headed in the future?   

BC) Needless to say, those songs are always going to be special to us. They are the trunk of the mighty Brimstone oak. The new songs and future songs are the twisted branches that produce the forbidden fruit of the coven. So the music will evolve, but I feel it won’t be far removed from the first born

SL) Tell us some of your influences/heroes both musically and artistically, both metal and non-metal? Was their a specific band or artist turned you guys onto music and specifically introduced you to Heavy Metal/Rock and wanting to form a band? 

BC) Late sixties, early seventies everything! It was just a witchy time frame. There was so much cool shit going on! There was a heavy occult influence in music and movies and even television. Badass cars and hot chicks were everywhere. A lot of the music of that time gave off that mystical, eerie essence and that’s definitely something that we knew we wanted to project as well.

Of course we all dig Sabbath. Who doesn’t? Ha-ha. Pentagram and Led Zeppelin. For me (Corey), it was Kiss that made me want to rock out. I remember at a very young age, five or six, getting into my mom’s eight tracks and records. Seeing Gene Simmons in the artwork and live pics inside the records, I was immediately hooked. Coolest shit I had ever seen! I know Drew and Dan are big Rush fans. John digs Trower and Floyd. We’re all pretty versatile when it comes to what kind of music we listen to though. I would say that Doom and Stoner rock are definitely at the top of the list.

SL) Using those influences as a reference point, did they form the basis of the direction where you wanted to take the band and how approached writing BC?

BC) Absolutely!

SL) What are your thoughts on the emergence of  retro type bands such as Witchcraft and it increasing popularity and what attracted you to that particular style of music with reference to your own sound, is the tone of the instruments of yore, the occult nature and or singing style.  In short what is it about the retro sound that made BC perhaps want to emulate that?

BC) We totally dig bands like Witchcraft, Graveyard, and Kadavar. I feel that those bands have captured some of that same magic from the early days, using those elements. Occult themes, singing styles and such. I think the mix is the main ingredient though. That old stripped down sound. That’s where the true magic is. It’s nostalgia. Who doesn’t like that?

SL) I’m assuming all musicians like to talk about the gear they use, so with that in mind what do you use in terms of guitars, amps and why? Also what tuning do you use? 

BC) At the moment, I’m playing through a Blackstar HT50 tube head into a Kustom 4x12 angled cab. I have a Jeckyl and Hyde pedal to boost leads. On the first album, I played through a Marshall JCM 900. I pretty much play Gibson SGs exclusively. I have an SG Studio and a Classic Faded SG. Drew plays a Gibson bass through an Orange Terror into an Ampeg SVT 8x10 cab. Dan plays Tama drums. We play in standard tuning most of the time. Although, “Son of the Morning” is played in drop D.

SL) Has their been much opportunity for BC to do live shows and is playing live important to BC, because touring can depend upon work commitments etc? 

BC) Playing live is the most important thing in the universe for us. On stage is when we feel we are truly living. We play fairly often. When we are busy, we usually play one or two shows every weekend. When we’re not so busy, we play once or twice a month. Our jobs allow for a decent live schedule, so that’s a plus.

SL) How valuable are blogs and social media? 

BC) Incredibly valuable! Social media has been very good to us.

SL) Quick fire question, what’s your preference? Cassette, CD, Digital Download or Vinyl? And why? 

BC) When it comes to sound… vinyl all the way! Nothing sounds better!

Digital Downloads and CDs still sound great and make things extremely quick and easy. They are quite helpful tools when you want to get the word out to the masses.

SL) Thanks for answering my questions, but one final question, you got anything you like to say to your fans and what can we expect from Brimstone Coven, in the future, new record? Tours? 

BC) We absolutely want to give a HUGE thank you to all of our fans, friends and families for all the love and support! From the beginning everyone has been super cool and helped us out so much. Just this year alone has been insanely amazing. A lot can happen in a year and it has. We have even bigger goals for 2014! We will definitely be playing shows in support of “II” and the vinyl release of the debut album. We are also confident that “II” will be released on vinyl as well. Demos for Brimstone Coven III are already in the works, so it won’t be long before we have another beastly batch of Brimstone babies!

Again, thank you so much for having us! We appreciate your time and effort. All hail SLUDGELORD!!! \m/         

 

 

Words and Interview by : Aaron Pickford

 

You can buy BC digital records here now and vinyl will be available here and here on 23/11/2013 starting at 12pm EST. You can read my review of the S/T record here

 

Pressing Info:

Sorcerer Edition

"Cyan" blue high grade matching vinyl limited to 125

Heavy weight "Night-shift" blue 100lb card stock

Metallic blue and black inks

Custom art work by W. Ralph Walters

Die Hard Edition

Gold and Silver color in color high quality vinyl limited to 50

Heavy duty 236lb natural white 100% cotton card stock cover

Letter pressed band logo

Incense Scented brown and black oiled inks

Distressed and burned cover to mimic an old spell book..

Custom artwork by W. Ralph Walters

 
 

For more information :

http://stbrecords.bigcartel.com/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/STB-Records/471228012921184

 http://brimstonecoven.bandcamp.com/album/brimstone-coven
http://www.brimstonecoven.com/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Brimstone-Coven/173445806091034
 

Brimstone Coven - S/T (Album Review)

 

 

 

Album Type : Full Length

Date Released : 11/2013

Label : STB Records

Brimstone Coven, album track listing :

1). Intro 0:49

2). We Are Forever 3:22

3). The Ancients 3:13

4). Son of the Morning 5:35

5). Lost in the Odyssey 3:54

6). Children of the Sun 5:11

7). Outro 10:41

 

Bio  :

Brimstone Coven is a retro-hard rock / doom band from Wheeling WV. They created their

personal blend of "Dark Occult Rock" in the early months of 2011.

Corey Roth (Guitar) wrote the first five songs, which would later become the bands self

titled album, and hand picked three seasoned musicians from the area's scene... Andrew

D'Cagna (Bass), Justin Wood (Drums), and "Big John" Williams (Vocals) to carry out his plan

for sonic domination.

Echoing the eerie reverberations of hard rock heavyweights such as Black Sabbath and

Pentagram, mixed with the Classic Rock style of Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd, Brimstone

Coven has created a Vintage sound and style all their own.

Recently, with many shows, the debut album soon to be released on vinyl through STB

Records, new drummer Dan Hercules, and a second album in the works (II) the band strives

to reach a wider audience and secure a spot among rocks greatest.

Look for Brimstone Coven to make a name for themselves in the near future!

 

The Band :

"Big John" Williams - vocals
Corey Roth - guitar
Andrew D'Cagna - bass
Dan Hercules – drums

Review :

 

Authenticity, an ability to be authentic or genuine and perhaps for fans who get their rocks off to the sound of guitar driven retro rock music, credibility is paramount in terms of convincing people to part with their hard earned buck.  Why, may you ask is this beatnik reviewer harping on about this?  Well it stems from the dearth of retro inspired bands over the past few years infiltrating our airwaves and in turn into our record collections. 

 

 

Many emulate the heroes of yore and yet, others who will remain nameless try too damn hard and thus in turn, merely come across as copyist and therefore undermine the integrity of their music.  So, when faced with the prospect of reviewing, relative newcomers, Brimstone Coven, it was with a great deal of anxiety and trepidation.  It is not that I dislike retro bands, shit I loved The Datsuns from NZ back in the day, great 70 inspired riffs, but that band sank and to that end, new retro bands need to create a style of their own. 

 

 

Thankfully with their debut outing, Brimstone Coven have done just that.  I’m hearing more influence from Zeppelin than say Pink Floyd, in terms of discernible comparisons, but this S/T is not simply a  pastiche, consisting  of motifs or techniques from borrowed sources.  What we have is 5 original and skilfully constructed songs.  So, let’s try to break it down for ya. 

 

 

Records that are truly memorable are fashioned upon motifs which are addictive and yet repetitious , following the opening salvo of the delightful fragrant intro, with soft harmonised guitars, I hear at least three in the mix; this is a soulful introduction to the band.   Indeed it lends itself brilliantly into the opening riff of We are forever. Coming across as Zeppilin meets 70’s Black Sabbath (The Best Kind), Brimstone certainly have that vintage sound in spades, guitars are crisp, bass feels warm and drums played adeptly, with a looseness that only Messers Moon, Ward and Mitchell (If you don’t already know these dudes, exit left?) are known for.  Great stuff and what a voice, ‘Big John’ is quite the front man with an endearing and rich tone to his voice and yes he sounds Killer. 

 

 

The Ancients opens like a cowboy nodding his Stetson to Zeppelin once more, with affectionate riffing lending itself to comparisons to their finest work, think the ‘Immigrant Song.’  Corey Roth, the outlaw, chief protagonist and axe slinger of this posse, is armed with a killer ability of flooring the listener with head nodding riffs and bucket loads of groove.  This tune is just flawless.

 

 

Son in the Morning, is all about the rhythm section, brilliant bass riff and subtle drums, which for the most part is repetitive throughout, aided by the guitars admirably.   A Slower track by far, but it engages you from the outset. Big John again produces the goods, demonstrating a fine range to his voice, aided by brilliant backing vocals too.  Guitar phrasing is sublime, with subtle lead guitars. 

 

 

What is brilliant about this record is that everything is audible as it should be, feeling warm, but no instrument is overpowering.  Subtlety and delicacy is key. 

 

 

Lost in the Odyssey , as Bill and Ted would say, is ‘Most Excellent’. As is the album as a whole.  To me this song is their ode to Black Sabbath, having that feel of The Wizard with hints of Evil Woman in there too.  Check it and you’ll get the gist. 

 

 

Whilst this isn’t the most comprehensive review, there is enough on this record to convince even the most hardened sceptics that Brimstone Coven have a brilliant future ahead of themselves. It may not inspire the existence of a utopian society in the future, however based on this set of songs, STB Records have decided to release a rich and a comprehensive vinyl release.  True vindication then, that with these compositions, Brimstone Coven are not only deserving of your attention but that a diehard vinyl spectacular is the very least we can expect from these Retro rock in future.  Party On!

 

 

Words by : Aaron Pickford

 

 

You can buy the DD here now and vinyl will be available over the coming weeks.  More news as we have it.

  

Pressing Info:
 

Sorcerer Edition

"Cyan" blue high grade matching vinyl limited to 125

Heavy weight "Night-shift" blue 100lb card stock

Metallic blue and black inks

Custom art work by W. Ralph Walters

Die Hard Edition

Gold and Silver color in color high quality vinyl limited to 50

Heavy duty 236lb natural white 100% cotton card stock cover

Letter pressed band logo

Incense Scented brown and black oiled inks

Distressed and burned cover to mimic an old spell book..

Custom artwork by W. Ralph Walters

 

For more information :

Web: http://stbrecords.bigcartel.com/

Bandcamp: http://brimstonecoven.bandcamp.com/album/brimstone-coven